Greenland Sharks May Be The Oldest Creatures On Earth

Scientists have identified more than 400 shark species but there is still so much we don’t know about these magnificent animals. One species, in particular, is a source of wonder for many researchers: the Greenland Shark or Somniosus microcephalus. Greenland sharks are among the world’s largest predatory sharks, growing up to 6 meters in length. Because of their habitat in cold dark waters, there is still so much that scientists are yet to discover about the sharks.

Greenland sharks live in the cold dark waters of the Arctic and have long been a mystery to the science community. Scientists that are studying them, suggest that these sharks can live up to six centuries old. Sharks are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. They have been swimming in our oceans and seas for hundreds of millions of years. One question that kept burning away at scientists was just how old are these slow-moving creatures?

Researchers from the universities of Copenhagen and Manchester sailed in treacherous waters to study Greenland sharks, which can live for over 400 years. Little is known about this type of shark, but they are known to be scavengers and predators as they have been observed feeding on seals, and have been found with polar bear remains in their stomachs. The researchers took samples and satellite tagged the sharks, in order to find out more about their hearts and diet, their movement and reproductive patterns.

Initial data recorder their heart beating once every ten seconds. By studying more data from the expedition they hope to learn about diseases associated with the aging process, in the hope of developing new therapies for humans in the future.